February 12, 2010 - Bend Bulletin Why The Low Flow In The Deschutes?

Why the low flow in the Deschutes? Irrigation is partly to blame, but thin snowpack is a longer-term concern

By Kate Ramsayer / The Bulletin

Low flows in the Deschutes River have exposed mud in Mirror Pond and boulders across from McKay Park, but water officials say the river level should be back up by the weekend. Still, the relatively dry winter and thin snowpack could lead to a difficult summer for fish, farmers and others dependent on water flows.

This week, the Central Oregon Irrigation District is conducting a regular stock run to provide water for livestock, diverting about 220 cubic feet per second of water from the Deschutes River upstream of Bend, said Steve Johnson, manager with the irrigation district.